ACT cracks down on mobiles in cars

New laws in the nation's capital make it illegal to cradle or nurse a mobile phone while driving.

The laws that came into effect late last week prevented ACT drivers from "holding a mobile phone, cradling a phone on their shoulder or resting it on their lap while driving".

Those in breach faced a $271 fine and the loss of three demerit points, said ACT chief minister John Stanhope.

"Under the laws, drivers can only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call if the phone is secured in a cradle, or if it can be operated without being touched and is not resting on any part of the driver's body," Stanhope said.

"All other functions of the phone including text messaging, video calls and emailing are prohibited."

Drivers were told either to get a hands-free kit, ask a passenger to answer calls, "pull over and park your car" or wait to their destination before answering.